Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Florence is a city famous for its museums, galleries, churches, and palaces that are beyond gorgeous and stuffed full of incredible works of art but it is not merely the interiors of this incredible place that are utterly beautiful. The piazzas, the streets, the Arno with all of the bridges crossing over it, and the views over the skyline dotted with its landmarks that can be taken in from various rooftops and panoramic spots are all examples of the great appeal of the outdoor spaces of Florence.

Then, of course, there are also the gardens and parks. Like many of the great cities of Europe, Florence has endless wonderful parks to explore. Many of these parks are not large expanses in which one can walk their dog or play sports or bring children to a playground but, rather, exquisitely manicured gems full of rare blooms, perfectly tamed lawns, arches grown over with fragrant flowers, sculptures by some of the most famous artists in history, amazing fountains, and all sorts of whimsical follies and surprises. These parks or public gardens or gardens attached to museums may now be available to all but they were once the private gardens of the city’s richest and most privileged residents. Thankfully, most can now be enjoyed by everyone! So, whether you want to take in the extraordinary sculptural details of the Boboli Gardens, see the impressive collection of different varieties of roses in the Rose Garden, or the lush and rare plants from all around the world at the garden of the Stibbert Museum then be sure to plan a garden crawl once you have found a luxury villa in Florence. 

This week we have already looked at Arezzo, a city of gold and a place in which goldsmithing has gone on from the Etruscans to the present day. Workshops of artisans still dot the medieval core of the city and thousands of jewellery and gold businesses operate throughout the surrounding area. Museums display incredible works from throughout history and shops sell the latest iterations to the magpies among those on vacation in Tuscany who are after rather more special and precious souvenirs. There is also a roaring trade in both jewellery and artisanal goods to appreciate if you have found a luxury villa in Florence, nearby. However, the birthplace of the Renaissance is, in its own right, one giant jewellery box full of incredible gems from architectural masterpieces to museums stuffed with incredible works of art to churches painted and gilded meticulously. And, among all of the stunning buildings and institutions filled with astounding things made by human hands, one of the lesser-known but most extraordinary has to be the Opificio delle Pietre Dure.

The Opificio delle Pietre Dure, literally meaning the Workshop of Semi-Precious Stones, is an institution run by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage that is based on Via degli Alfani, not far from the Cathedral or the Galleria dell’Accademia, in the centre of Florence. In addition to the museum that most visitors head to, the building is also home to one of two Italian state-run conservation schools (the other being the Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro), a specialist library, an archive, and a scientific laboratory in which research into the latest and best preventive and conservation techniques is undertaken. A global leader in the field of restoration, the institution is also home, as one might imagine, to a wonderful collection of well-preserved and incredible objects. 

The picturesque medieval town of Arezzo is one of Tuscany’s most beloved destinations as it is a serious looker, steeped in culture, boasts a very pretty historic centre that is almost frozen in time, hosts several fascinating festivals and events throughout the year, and has some incredible little boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants. However, one of the things about the city that the magpies among those looking to vacation in Tuscany should definitely take note of is that it is home to an ancient and rich jewellery and gold-crafting heritage. As a result, those who have found a villa with pool in Arezzo will be able to seek out some rather special, unforgettable, and very precious souvenirs while in the area. In fact, perhaps some of the most beautiful and incredible examples of craftsmanship in the entire region of Tuscany can be discovered while on holiday in Arezzo. So, plan your next trip and be sure to set aside a budget for purchasing something truly special that you can pass down through your family or with which you can simply remember your holiday for the rest of your life...

Lonely Planet is a name that is long and well-associated with all things travel and a key touchstone that many turn to when planning trips and thinking about future holiday destinations. As such, people tend to sit up and listen to what they have to say when they produce their famous annual, “Best In Travel,” guide and use it for inspiration when looking ahead to their own upcoming adventures. In the recently published 2022 edition of the guide, they have once again named some of their key travel destinations for the coming year and there was one Italian city that made the cut this time around – Florence! We, of course, are already well familiar with the various attractions and appeals of a vacation in the city and offer some incredible luxury villas in Florence but it is good to be reminded once more just how brilliant Florence well and truly is.

The charms of the winter getaway are well-known to those who love winter sports and the après-ski lifestyle and Tuscany, though not especially famous for it, is actually a perfect ski break destination. Now, while it may not be able to quite compete with the Alpine regions further north in Italy, the region does boast some nice ski resorts and this, combined with the charms of a holiday in Tuscany during the winter season make it a perfect place to go skiing, snowboarding, and more. So, come and savour the hearty winter Tuscan cuisine that is perfect for keeping you full and warm, admire pretty towns made lovelier by Christmas decorations, visit wonderful Christmas markets and other festive events and traditions, enjoy Tuscan towns, cities, and attractions with smaller tourist crowds, and much more besides, all while hitting the slopes this winter season!

If you are looking for an ideal Tuscan ski resort then look no further than Doganaccia 2000, a brilliant ski spot to visit if you have found a villa in Pistoia. Located on the Croce Arcana slopes, in the town of Abetone Cutigliano, this ski resort is actually a year-round attraction where all sorts of outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed but it truly comes alive when the air grows cold and snow begins to blanket the peaks once more.